By Alfred Acenas
(Eagle News)
HONOLULU (Eagle News) — The state of Hawaii is set to ease some of its travel restrictions June 15th.
With more than half of the state’s population already fully vaccinated, Hawaii will no longer require travelers between the Hawaiian Islands will to undergo COVID-19 testing or quarantine.
“The easing of travel restrictions is a direct result of our robust vaccination rate, and a community that sacrificed and did what it had to do over the past year and a half to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor David Ige. “We need to push hard now so we can get to the point where Safe Travels is no longer needed to keep the people of Hawaii safe.”
The governor added that, starting June 15, travelers entering the state who have been vaccinated in Hawaii may bypass quarantine without a pre-travel test.
As vaccination rates increase, more restrictions will be eqased.
Once a 60% vaccination rate has been achieved, people who have been vaccinated in the United States and are traveling within the state will be able to bypass the testing and quarantine requirement. They must provide proof of vaccination through the state’s Safe Travels program.
When the state population achieves a 70% vaccination rate, all restrictions on travel will be lifted, and the Safe Travels program will end.
Ige further explained the state’s fully vaccinated rate will be a major consideration in his policy decisions, along with the latest science and the best judgment of health officials.
Additional announcements are expected next week when the governor issues his 21st emergency proclamation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Eagle News Service)